Foot Ledge

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a foot ledge that, in some aspects, allows a user to hold a foot or heel at a generally fixed position nearer to their body&#39;s core. Some embodiments of the invention include a cover, housing a slidably received ledge and end cap assembly that provides a surface for a user&#39;s foot or heel. In some examples, a user&#39;s body weight can be used to provide the stability needed to use the device and keep the ledge in a relatively stable position. In other examples, hooks or straps can be used to keep the device in place, allowing a user to position themselves at will relative to the foot ledge,

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/606,056 filed Sep. 9, 2017 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/707,288 filed Oct. 28, 2017, which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts generally relate to the need to hold yourfoot close to your body core and stationary.

BACKGROUND

The inventor has back problems and at times severe mobility limitationswhich has made it impossible to tend to his own needs, creating the needfor the current invention. Putting his socks on or tending to his feethas put him into more pain at times. He has perfected the invention athis home to bring as much relief in this area as possible.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present inventive concepts a foot ledgecomprises of a cover, ledge and end cap. The endcap is attached to theledge which is housed within the cover. The cover is positioned betweenyour mattresses/seat. While not in use the ledge is hidden inside thecover and the endcap is flush with the mattress/seat. When in use theuser sits directly over the ledge between the mattress/seat and pullsout the ledge by pulling on the endcap by using gravity to the desiredlength. Their body weight acts as leverage for the weight of their footon the ledge. The user lifts up their leg and positions their heel atthe end of the ledge. The ledge keeps the user's foot stationary, viathe heel or sole, while bringing it closer to them to reach their foot.When user is finished they push the endcap and the ledge slides backinto the cover and the foot ledge becomes flush with the edge of themattress and hidden until next use.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the invention uses thenatural gravity of the user to give support to hold the foot up by thecounter weight on the ledge which pushes the inside end up to the sheathunder the mattresses/seat being held down by the users body weight.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a foot ledgeincludes a container comprising a plurality of springs placed within thecontainer to exert an outward slide to the ledge residing within thecontainer and coupled to each spring; when pressure exerted to the endcap it pushes the ledge inward unlocking small tabs and releasingsprings which pushes the ledge outward from the force of the springs,pushing the endcap and ledge back into the cover locks the tabs andsprings back into place.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a cover comprising an electronic on/of f button which runs a motorwhich connects to the ledge. The button pressed once electronicallymoves the ledge out pressed again will electronically move the ledgeback into the case.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a cover comprising a remote electronic onloff button which runs amotor which connects to the ledge. The button pressed onceelectronically moves the ledge out pressed again will electronicallymove the ledge back into the case.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith an endcap at the end of the ledge comprising an electronic on/offbutton which runs electronic sliders down the sides of the ledge encasedin the cover. The button pressed once opens the ledge pressed again willclose the ledge.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a cover comprising an oval hole that runs the length of it whichthe ledge is connected by a concave groove which holds a round metalmarble that runs the length of the cover to slide the ledge in and outof the cover by using the handle and sliding the ledge.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a ledge comprising a heel spot near the end cap which serves as aguide to rest your heel.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a ledge comprising a hole or on the heel target spot the close tothe end cap.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a heel spot comprising a surface that is textured and/or roughened.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a heel spot that is square in shape.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a hole heel spot comprising a fluffy insert that can be used, forexample, for added comfort.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a heel spot comprising a hole with a gel insert that can be used,for example, for added comfort.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith a hole heel spot comprising a sterile insert on a surface that canbe used, for example, for health safety.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith an endcap at the end of the ledge configured as a handle to, forexample, slide the ledge in and out of the cover.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith an endcap at the end of the ledge configured as a protective slipguard.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith an endcap at the end of the ledge that is rounded and is configuredas a round protective slip guard.

According to one embodiment of the present invention is a foot ledgewith an endcap at the end of the ledge further comprising grooves withfiner indents configured to provide, for example, comfort grip.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge has a curvedteardrop shape as one example of many types and shapes at the end toembrace the foot of the user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge furthercomprises a surface with a roughened surface for slip resistance.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge comprises ahole in the heel spot to drop the heel into ledge.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the ledge comprises asurface with a roughened surface for slip resistance.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the cover furthercomprises portable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair or sittingapparatus for portable use according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the optionalportable clamps could be substituted by but not limited to adjustablestraps.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the portableclamps could be substituted by but not limited to adjustable cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an end cap and ledge encased in a cover, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an end cap, ledge andcover, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a ledge not encased in a cover

FIG. 4 illustrates a cover without a ledge encased inside

FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the end cap attached to the ledgenot encased in a cover

FIG. 6A illustrates the front view of the case without a ledge encasedon the inside

FIG. 6B illustrates the back view of the case

FIG. 7A illustrates the side view of a box spring and mattress where inthe foot ledge cover is between them the ledge is slid out and a personis resting their heel in the heel spot.

FIG. 7B illustrates the side view of a chair where in the foot ledgecover is between the chair cushion the ledge is slid out and a person isresting their heel in the heel spot.

FIG. 8A illustrates an end cap and ledge encased in a cover, withportable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatusfor portable use according to an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded perspective view of an end cap andledge, with portable clamps facing the end to hook onto a chair orsitting apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment

FIG. 8C illustrates the front view of the case without a ledge encasedon the inside with the portable clamps facing the rear to hook onto achair or sitting apparatus.

FIG. 8D illustrates the back view of the case with the portable clamsfacing open to hook onto a chair or sitting apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangements of the componentsset forth in the following description or illustrated the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments also it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

In FIG. 1 is an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to thedisclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 that can bepositioned for users to place a heel of a foot upon a surface of theledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing. In some embodiments, theledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slidably fixed to a cavitydefined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be held in positionrelative to a user using a user's weight. In some embodiments, the cover100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor thefoot ledge 10. With the cover 100 anchored in place by a user's weight,a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 whilemaintaining balance.

The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold auser's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be asubstantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel weight andfriction to maintain the position of a user's heel. In some embodiments,the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface toincrease a user's heel's resistance to motion. In some embodiments, aheel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole ordepression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel.

In FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10constructed according to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10comprises a ledge 200 that can be positioned for users to place a heelof a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing ordisrobing. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modesand can be slightly fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The footledge 10 can be held in position relative to a user using a user'sweight. In some embodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all orpart of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10. With the cover 100anchored in place by a user's weight, a user is able to shift a portionof weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance. The ledge 200 canbe configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. Insome embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be a substantially flatsurface, relying on the user's heel weight and friction to maintain theposition of a user's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 cancomprise a non-skid surface on at least one surface to increase a user'sheel's resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can beincluded in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge200 configured to hold a user's heel.

FIG. 3 illustrates a ledge 200 which is not encased in a cover 100. Theledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold auser's heel. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can have a hole 210 thatthe heel falls into to securely encasing the heel so it is surrounded.In other embodiments, a pad of sterile nature or not can be added to thehole of the ledge 200 to keep the heel clean from germs. The ledge canbe configured in a number of ways to securely hold a user's heel. Theledge 200 has a stop line 220 which is a gauge when the ledge 200 isencased in a case 100 and full embodiment this gauge line helps the userknow how far to slide the ledge 200 out of the case 100. The ledge is tosupport a user who needs assistance due to back pain and leg pain butnot limited to those pains to put their socks on and take their socksoff or robing and disrobing in the likes becoming more mobile andindependent. As well the end cap 300 is to direct the ledge 200 slideability to be encased in the case 300 or not encased and ready for theuser to lift their foot too.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cover 100 without a ledge encased inside. In someembodiments the cover with the ledge encased as an exemplary foot ledge10 is positioned between cushions underneath the user's body while theyare in a sitting position to hold the foot ledge 10 in place. The cover100 encases the ledge 200 and in some embodiments held betweenmattresses but not limited to and to assist the ledge 200 which ispositioned for users to place a heel of a foot upon to robe and disrobe.

FIG. 5 illustrates the front view of the end cap 300 attached to theledge 200 not encased in a cover 300. The end cap to be used yet notsolely as an easy grip for the user who has positioned the exemplaryfoot ledge 10 underneath them & out of sight between but not limited tomattresses. The end cap 300 serves as a focus point for the user toengage the ledge and slide it from the encasement of the case 100 to thedesired position using the stop gauge 220 as a guide. Once the user haspositioned their heel in the heel spot and the exemplary foot ledge 10is in operation the end cap 300 also serves as a stopper if the userheel is sliding the end cap 300 will serve as a barricade and a way forthe user to continue to hold their balance. The end cap is also put intouse when the user is done using the exemplary foot ledge 10 and the usertouches the end cap 300 sliding back into the cover 100 leaving theledge 200 encased and out of view and the end cap 300 becomes flush withencasement for which it is stored while in use and not in use.

FIG. 6A illustrates the front view of the case 100 without a ledgeencased on the inside. The case is the enclosure for the ledge 200 andruns flush with the end cap 300. The encasement is able to withstand theweight of its user entrapped between cushions of a mattress but notlimited too. The cover also serves as the protector for the ledge 200which relies on the space of the cover to slide in and out of and servethe user as a ledge to hold their foot on and aid in putting their sockson but not limited to dressing and undressing. The exemplary foot ledge10 also serves as a whole aid it's user in tending to their feet's andtoes needs not limited to hygiene and self-care.

FIG. 6B illustrates the back view of the case 100 without a ledge on theinside. The case which is the protection for the encased ledge to slidein and out of it's important that the back be enclosed to hold thepressure and gravity of the user while in use.

FIG. 7A illustrates the side view of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10the user positioned the cover 100 which has the ledge 200 extracted inbetween a box spring and mattress 400. The user 500 has lifted theirfoot up to the ledge 200 and has positioned their heel 510 on the heelspot 210 which is slid out to the stop line 220. The user 500 is able toshift their weight and legs to adjust their needs once they have foundpurpose in its use. The end cap 300 is engaged as both a boundary and ahandle as well as the heel spot 210 which is stable under the exchangebetween the ledge 200 within the cover 100 and the cover entrapped inthe mattresses but not limited to which is held by the user's weight andbalance. If a user's heel 510 slips out of the heel spot 210, an end cap300 with a raised edge can catch the user's heel 510 and prevent injury.

FIG. 7B Illustrates the side view of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10the user positioned the cover 100 which has the ledge 200 extracted inbetween chair cushions 410. The user 500 has lifted their foot up to theledge 200 and has positioned it's heel 510 on the heel spot 210 which isslid out to the stop line 220. The user is able to shift their weightand legs to adjust their needs once they have found purpose in its use.At times in this position the user may use the embodiment of the footledge 10 to tend to their foot's needs akin but not limited to nailcutting, medical or non-medical creams and polish. The user may haveanother person beyond the endcap serving some of these needs not limitedby the independent nature of the embodiment of the foot ledge 10 as awhole. Its use can serve more than one user not being limited definitionby its support of the user alone for its independent nature. The end cap300 is always engaged as both a boundary and a handle when extracted andin use. The heel spot 210 which is stable under the exchange between theledge 200 within the cover 100 as well as the cover which is entrappedin the mattresses but not limited mattresses alone withstanding theweight and balance which to hold the foot and heel up.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructedaccording to the disclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge200 which is still encased that can be positioned for users to place aheel 510 of a foot upon a surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robingor disrobing or tending to the hygiene of the foot but not limited too.In some embodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can beslidably fixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 canbe held in position by two portable clamps 600 which attaches to the endof a chair 420 or anything resembling but not limited to akin to strapsor anything which securely fastens the cover 100 to the chair whiledistributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100. Relative to auser the user's weight in some embodiments, the cover 100 is configuredto carry all or part of a user's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10through the transfer of foot weight and the portable clamps 600distributed against top of the cover 100 and the chair 420. With thecover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps 600, a user is ableto shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balancein virtually any environment that the portable clamps 600 or theembodiment of the like straps or anything connector that can be sized tofit a chair 420 or bench or an embodiment of a chair 420 or bench. Theledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold auser's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be asubstantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel 510 weight andfriction to maintain the position of a user's heel 510. In someembodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at leastone surface to increase a user's heel's 510 resistance to motion. Insome embodiments, a heel spot 210 can be included in the ledge 200comprising a hole or depression in the ledge 200 configured to hold auser's heel. In some cases a stop guard 220 can be implemented to gaugethe extraction of the ledge 200 from the case 100.

The portable clamps 600 can comprise any means capable of anchoring thefoot ledge 10 to a location suitable for a person to use the ledge 200and/or heel spot 210. The portable clamps 600 shown are only one type ofmechanism capable of fixing the foot ledge 10 to a location. Theportable clamps 600, in some embodiments, comprise hooks fixed to thetop of the cover 100, extending upward and in a direction away from theoutward sliding motion of the ledge 200. The portable clamps 600 canoptionally be replaced with other suitable anchoring means, such as,straps or fasteners.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructedaccording to the disclosure herein which has in an open position. Thefoot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 which has been partially pulled fromthe case 100 and positioned for users to place a heel 510 of a foot upona surface of the ledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing or tendingto the hygiene of the foot but not limited too. The foot ledge 10 can beheld in position by two portable clamps 600 or some embodiment whichattaches to the end of a chair 420 or anything resembling but notlimited to akin to straps or anything which securely fastens the cover100 to the chair or some embodiment of a bench or sitting apparatuswhile distributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100. Relativeto a user the user's weight and or environment in some embodiments, thecover 100 is configured to carry all or part of a user's weight toanchor the foot ledge 10 through the transfer of foot weight and theportable clamps 600 distributed against top of the cover 100 and thechair 420. With the cover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps600, a user is able to shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 whilemaintaining balance in virtually any environment that the portableclamps can be sized to fit. The ledge 200 can be configured in a numberof ways to securely hold a user's heel 510. In some embodiments, theledge 200 can merely be a substantially flat surface, relying on theuser's heel 510 weight and friction to maintain the position of a user'sheel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skidsurface on at least one surface to increase a user's heel's 510resistance to motion. In some embodiments, a heel spot 210 can beincluded in the ledge 200 comprising a hole or depression in the ledge200 configured to hold a user's heel. In some cases, a stop guard 220can be implemented to gauge the extraction of the ledge 200 from thecase 100.

FIG. 8C Illustrates the front view of the cover 100 without a ledgeencased on the inside with the portable clamps 600 facing the back ofthe cover 100 according to another exemplary embodiment. The portableclamps 600 are a connection devise and may take on many embodiments inthe arena of fastening such as straps and the like. The portable clamps600 are attached to the case yet not limited to attachment in otherembodiments of clamps. The portable clamps 600 are positioned to besolid when viewing from the open side of the cover 100 which houses theledge 200.

FIG. 8D illustrates the back view of the case 100 with the portableclamps 600 open facing. The portable clamps are one embodiment of theplethora of ways for which one can secure the exemplary foot ledge 10 tohousehold and non-household items for the user to lift their heel 510upon and put on their sock, tie shoe, tend to feet but not limited to.The open facing portable clamps 600 are positioned towards the rear ofthe case 100 to transfer the balance of weight distributed from theextended end cap 300, ledge 200 and cover 100 which is baring the weightagainst the underside of a chair 420 or some embodiment of.

FIG. 8E is an exemplary foot ledge 10 constructed according to thedisclosure herein. The foot ledge 10 comprises a ledge 200 that can bepositioned for users to place a heel 510 of a foot upon a surface of theledge 200 to assist in robing or disrobing socks, shoes, tying laces,tending to the hygiene of the foot but not limited too. In someembodiments, the ledge 200 is hidden in some modes and can be slidablyfixed to a cavity defined by a cover 100. The foot ledge 10 can be heldin position by two portable clamps 600 which attaches to the lip of achair 420 or anything resembling but not limited to akin to straps oranything which securely fastens the cover 100 to the chair whiledistributing the weight of the heel 510 to the cover 100 holding itagainst the chair 420. Relative to a user the user's weight in someembodiments, the cover 100 is configured to carry all or part of auser's weight to anchor the foot ledge 10 through the transfer of footweight and the portable clamps 600 distributed against top of the cover100 and the underside of a chair 420 or some embodiment of. With thecover 100 anchored in place by the portable clamps 600, a user is ableto shift a portion of weight to the ledge 200 while maintaining balance.The ledge 200 can be configured in a number of ways to securely hold auser's heel 510. In some embodiments, the ledge 200 can merely be asubstantially flat surface, relying on the user's heel 510 weight andfriction to maintain the position of a user's heel 510. In someembodiments, the ledge 200 can comprise a non-skid surface on at leastone surface to increase a user's heel's 510 resistance to motion the endcap 300 serves as a handle as well as a barrier to also safe guard theheel 510 from slipping off the ledge 200. In some embodiments, a heelspot 210 can be included in the ledge 200 comprising a hole ordepression in the ledge 200 configured to hold a user's heel. In someembodiments the stop line 220 can be included to give the user a gaugeto the length of the ledge 200 to extract from the cover 100. Theportable clamps 600 and other embodiments of and the exemplary footledge 10 serve the environment as a whole and are not limited to thehousehold environment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foot ledge comprising: a sheath defining aninternal cavity; a ledge movably coupled to the internal cavity of thesheath; an end cap fixed to the ledge on one end; and wherein a surfaceof the ledge is configured to hold a user's foot.
 2. The foot ledgeclaim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge is configured to hold a user'sheel.
 3. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein the end cap is configured toprevent a heel from slipping off the edge of the ledge in the directionof the end cap.
 4. The foot ledge of claim 3, wherein the end cap isconfigured to provide a hand grip to slide the ledge relative to thesheath.
 5. The foot ledge of claim 4, wherein the end cap furthercomprises a raised edge relative to a surface of the ledge;
 6. The footledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge further comprises aheel spot configured to hold a user's heel within the heel spot.
 7. Thefoot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of the ledge further comprisesa non-skid surface.
 8. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface ofthe ledge is generally planar and further comprises a heel spot; theheel spot comprising a hole in a direction normal to the generallyplanar surface.
 9. The foot ledge of claim 1, wherein a surface of theledge is generally planar and further comprises a heel spot; the heelspot comprising an indentation in a direction normal to the generallyplanar surface.
 10. The foot ledge of claim 1, further comprising a hookfixed to an outer surface of the sheath.
 11. The foot ledge of claim 1,wherein the sheath further comprises an upper surface; furthercomprising a hook, having a curved or hooked profile terminating at ahook end; and wherein the hook is fixed to an upper surface of thesheath and oriented so that the hook end is facing in a directiongenerally opposite that of the end cap.
 12. The foot ledge of claim 11,wherein the end cap is configured to prevent a heel from slipping offthe edge of the ledge in the direction of the end cap; and wherein asurface of the ledge further comprises a non-skid surface.
 13. The footledge of claim 11, wherein the end cap is configured to prevent a heelfrom slipping off the edge of the ledge in the direction of the end cap;and wherein a surface of the ledge is generally planar and furthercomprises a heel spot; the heel spot comprising a hole in a directionnormal to the generally planar surface.
 14. A method of holding aperson's foot nearer to their core, steps comprising: providing a footledge comprising: a sheath defining an internal cavity; a ledge movablycoupled to the internal cavity of the sheath; an end cap fixed to theledge on one end; and wherein a surface of the ledge is configured tohold a user's foot; placing the foot ledge in a location under aperson's center of mass so that the person's weight fixes the sheath inplace; sliding the ledge out towards the front of the person; andplacing the person's heel on the ledge.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising the step of placing the foot ledge at least partiallyunder a mattress.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising thestep of placing the foot ledge at least partially under a seat cushion.